Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Tender Mercies

A friend from gradeschool recently read The Golden Sky and messaged me on facebook with these two words:

Tender Mercies

I sat, reading those words and I realized that's what this journey has been, since releasing Zeke's story. The people I've met, the lives his story has touched. Yes, Zeke died, but I feel as if his little life is still blessing mine.

I recently decided to have The Golden Sky produced as an audiobook. I knew whoever narrated this memoir would have to be a powerful, empathetic reader. I listed the book and looked for narrators. Days went by, and I hoped for the best. I listened to many auditions for various books, the whole time wondering who would eventually be the voice of Zeke's Story.

When Alexandra G. Haag sent in the initial audition, I was blown away. The sheer emotion in the woman's voice broke my heart. She was exactly who I wanted--who I needed--to narrate Zeke's book. While listening, tears streamed down my face.And I wondered what Ms. Haag's story was for her to read the text so perfectly.

Ms. Haag and I both committed to a contract forThe Golden Sky to be an audiobook. It wasn't until after everything was set in stone that I really understood how special this project would be. Ms. Haag sent me this message:

Hello, Elisa,

I am so pleased to be asked to narrate The Golden
Sky. My first born child died at the age of ten weeks and, while my
circumstances were different from yours, the resulting grief was also a
blast to the heart. I pray that my narration is a blessing to you and
your fans.Sincerely,Alexandra

This gave me chills, just knowing that our angel babies are up in Heaven, probably watching us work on this project together. Somehow I had this overwhelming feeling that this was meant to be.

It was terrible losing a child and trying to think of anything that might lessen the pain. But for Zeke's story to bless so many others. And now for another mother, from similar circumstances, to be working on this project with me, well it's heartrending. And it's another example of a tender mercy.

I'm really looking forward to this audio. I hope it will help many others who are struggling to deal with grief.